Fine Arts

Visual Arts

Lower School

The Lower School visual arts program at St. Martin’s allows freedom of expression through a curriculum that emphasizes process rather than product. A foundation in the visual arts has a positive effect on many aspects of student development including logical thinking, decision making, and problem solving. The creative process helps to bolster confidence as students improve their skills and learn more about their artistic abilities.

Middle School

Middle School students are introduced to various techniques and processes to build their confidence and skills in art. Visual arts students explore with hands-on experience, giving students the opportunity to creatively manipulate materials.

Upper School

Ceramics 

Ceramics is an in-depth study of many techniques and methods of working with clay.  Students experiment with hand-building techniques such as coil, pinch, and slab, as well as learning the basics of wheel throwing. Creative and independent thinking is encouraged in this course.

Sculpture 

This course explores foundations of three dimensional design. A variety of materials, such as clay, wood, plaster and cardboard are used to learn creative independent thinking. Students learn how to manipulate these materials and use sculpting tools safely. 

Painting  

The painting course is designed to develop painting skills. Realism, abstraction and non-objective concepts will be explored.  Students will expand their knowledge of color theory, and develop a vocabulary of painting techniques. 

Printmaking

This course explores printmaking techniques, such as relief, intaglio, silkscreen and planographic. Students will learn to use various tools and techniques in printmaking and print on a variety of surfaces, such as fabric, paper, wood and cardboard.

Drawing

This course is an introduction to drawing. Students will learn basic drawing techniques and use a variety of materials this semester. Creativity is encouraged  in the class, but basic fundamentals of drawing are emphasized. Students will learn to observe the basic structure of an object and draw from that information. They will learn to train not only their hands, but their eyes as well. 

Digital Photography

Digital Photography offers students a general course in the fundamentals of Photography. Students study the various functions of a DSLR camera, lenses and photo editing software. Different uses of photography will be explored including: digital composites, multimedia projects and alternative printing techniques. 

Media Arts

This course offers an overview of and exposure to visual and media arts through an aesthetic and practical framework. Students will be introduced to media concepts and techniques in which they will analyze the context and application of photography, web design, product design and video.  Students will be given a series of assignments in which they will produce short media projects in genres discussed. 

Graphic Design

Students are introduced to the graphic design industry, what designers do, and what graphic design actually is. Students will learn and practice the creation of thumbnail sketches, rough sketches, and comprehensive design, which are the building blocks of the design process. 

Film Production

 This course trains students to use film as a tool for communication and self-expression in entertainment and industry. Students will study the history and theory of film as a complex, collaborative art form. They will explore the foundational elements of writing, photography, visual perception, and elements of design as they apply to cinematic expression. Students will analyze the use of film and video to share ideas and influence culture. They will also be trained in the multiple technical competencies required to communicate through film.  

Honors Art 

Honors coursework includes student’s developing a sketchbook/journal with a variety of structured assignments and independent work.  Students will also complete several additional studio projects where they learn to work independently.  They will also pursue additional art history research beyond what is part of the regular studio class. This class serves as a pre-AP course for Sophomores and Juniors to prepare for Advanced Placement in Art and Design.

Advanced Placement in Art and Design

Through studio practice, application of design concepts, and informed decision making, students will assemble a body of artwork that demonstrates a high level of quality and growth over time of content, technique, and process.  By exploring a variety of design processes and techniques, students will expand their design skills and advance their visual communication skills with compositional and aesthetic concepts.   Students will develop mastery in concept, composition, and execution through practice, experimentation and revision. Students will submit this body of work to the College Board for grading and possible college credit in one of the following portfolio categories: AP 2D Art and Design, AP 3D Art and Design or AP Drawing.

Performing Arts

Lower School

In Lower School Music, students learn a variety of musical games that highlight music theory, composition, improvisation and audiation. As students progress through Lower School, they will play a variety of instruments including xylophones, the recorder, and the ukulele. Students prepare for specialty performances that are held throughout the school year, building self confidence and stage awareness. 

Middle School

Middle School Performing Arts 

Middle School Theatre classes introduce the foundation of public speaking, character development, and performance. Students are also introduced to Special FX makeup, Musical Theatre, and Ensemble Building and Performing. 

Middle School Choir

The Middle School choral program aims to cultivate the well rounded musician by focusing on music theory, vocal pedagogy, solfege, and music history. Students sing music from a variety of genres, and perform in a Winter Concert, Spring Concert, and several events in the chapel throughout the year. The goal is to help students develop a love of music and experience the joy of singing as they broaden their scope and choral repertoire. Students who choose music as their elective in seventh and eighth grade are able to take private voice lessons throughout the week to enhance their solo singing.

Band

Students in Middle School Band will develop their musical skills through the learning of new music, rhythms, tonality, and scales. They also will start to find their individual voices as musicians, as well as where their instruments fit into an ensemble, through the exploration of traditional band music and a variety of other musical styles. Students will participate in cumulative performances each semester, as well as several chapels and school events.

Upper School

To fully engage in Performing Arts, Upper School students have the opportunity to study Technical Theatre Design and Construction, Acting, Musical Theatre, and Dance. Students are also afforded a full theatrical season of performances in the Fall and Spring Semesters. 

Upper School Theatre

In Upper School Theatre classes, students expand on the foundations of performance across many genres. Performance opportunities are of the utmost priority of the performing arts program. Therefore, there are ample opportunities for the entire school community to be involved on and off the stage. 

Upper School Technical Theatre

Students in technical theatre explore the backstage world of theatre operations first hand, working in the school’s Solomon Theater and scenic shop. Students will learn about the various behind the scenes professions in theatre, as well as the basics of scenic design, theatre construction, proper tool use, audio technology and  lighting design. They will use these skills to construct scenery and props for the school’s theatre productions, as well as other individual and group projects. Students will also have opportunities to work as backstage crew for school events, and as they progress, become even more involved in school productions.

Upper School Choir

The  St Martin’s Upper School choral program, aims to cultivate the well rounded musician by focusing on music theory, vocal pedagogy, solfege, and music history.  The students sing music from a variety of genres which they perform in a Winter concert, Spring concert and various events in the chapel throughout the year.  We at At St. Martin's, we strive to teach all of our students the joy of singing and the love of music as we broaden their scope with gems from  the choral repertoire as well as meet the students where they are with music they love.  The students who choose music as their elective in Upper School are able to take private voice lessons throughout the week  to enhance their solo singing. 

Upper School Band

Students in Upper School Band continue their journey as young musicians, learning and demonstrating technical skills on their individual instruments and as an ensemble. These skills include rhythm, pitch, musical phrasing, and reading of both notation and chord charts. Students also learn how to operate in a modern band, with a wide selection of music including jazz, commercial, and traditional band selections. Students will participate in cumulative performances each semester, as well as several chapels and school events.

Dance

In this introductory course, students will explore the fundamental elements of dance through four major genres: ballet, tap, jazz and musical theatre. Each quarter, students will focus on one genre, studying its unique style, history and techniques. Through a combination of in-class instruction and rehearsal, students will gain an understanding of how to execute basic movements, develop their coordination and improve their physical fitness.  In addition to technique the course will emphasize creative expression and performance skills, encouraging students to explore their individual artistic voices and collaborate with their peers.